Duct leakage detection system and method

ABSTRACT

Systems and methodologies are disclosed to detect a leak in a duct system or other closed loop systems. The system and methodologies use a light source to detect a leak in a duct system, e.g., the ductwork of a HVAC/R system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/040,022 entitled “DUCT LEAKAGE DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD” filed onJul. 19, 2018 and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/534,471 entitled “DUCT LEAKAGE DETECTION SYSTEMAND METHOD” filed Jul. 19, 2017, each of which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

ORIGIN

The innovation disclosed herein relates generally to a system and methodfor detecting leaks in duct systems and more particularly to detectingleaks in HVAC/R systems

BACKGROUND

Duct systems used for heating, ventilation, air conditioning andrefrigeration systems (HVAC/R) lose efficiency and can be dangerous(e.g., carbon monoxide build up due to a leak in a furnace) when thereare leaks in the ductwork. Detecting leaks in HVAC/R components can bedifficult to locate or are not accessible without disassembling all orpart of the HVAC/R system. Leaks in other closed loop systems (e.g.,plumbing) are similarly difficult to locate.

Several methods are known to detect leaks in HVAC/R systems or otherclosed systems. The methods include visual and electronic methods.Visual methods include introducing a substance, such as smoke orvaporized dye into the system and identifying a leak where the substanceescapes the system. Another method includes applying a soap solution tothe joint or surface where a leak is suspected, and observing for bubbleformation caused by the pressure differential between the two regions.These methods require the technician to first identify and then haveaccess to the area of a suspected leak and require that a significantpressure differential exists between the two regions where a leak issuspected.

Other methods include the use of sensors that detect changes in theconcentration of compounds (e.g., refrigerant gas) by sensing thevoltage applied to electrodes distributed throughout the duct system.These methods require expensive equipment and complicated installation.

Thus, there remains a need for a simple, inexpensive means foridentifying leaks in HVAC/R systems and other closed systems.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not anextensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Itssole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

In an aspect of the innovation, systems and methodologies are disclosedthat. According to an aspect of the innovation, a system is providedcomprising a handle, a securing means, a light source, a reflector, anda power source, wherein the system may be used to detect a leak in aduct system (e.g., in an HVAC/R system or other closed loop system).

The system may include a means for securing a lighting source to theduct system. Suitable means for securing the lighting source include,but are not limited to a magnet, a gasket, or other fitting that may beused to secure the light source to the duct system. In one embodiment,the system includes a magnet for securing to a metal duct system.

In one embodiment, the system further includes a light source that maybe configured to reflect light at a desired angle. In one embodiment,the system includes a cone-shaped reflector that may be used to reflecta beam of light. The reflective article may be made from most anysuitable material including, but not limited to glass or plastic. In oneembodiment, the reflective article may include a coating, such as ametal coating. In one example, the cone-shaped article may be made fromglass. In one example, the metal coating may be an aluminum coating.

In one embodiment, the light source is an incandescent bulb or a lightemitting diode (LED) (i.e., a solid state bulb).

In one embodiment, the reflector is secured to the securing means. In anexample, the reflector is secured to the securing means via any suitablemeans including, but not limited to, carbon fibers glass fibers,structural supports comprising metal or plastic, or a combinationthereof.

To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrativeaspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with thefollowing description and the annexed drawings. These aspects areindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovationis intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Otheradvantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of the innovation whenconsidered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustration of an embodiment of theinnovation.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the innovation in use.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of an embodimentaccording to the innovation.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a top view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a bottom view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a front view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a side view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exploded view of an embodiment accordingto the innovation.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an embodiment according to the innovationin use.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a top view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a bottom view of an embodiment accordingto the innovation.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a side view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a front view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a perspective view of an embodimentaccording to the innovation.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a top view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a bottom view of an embodiment accordingto the innovation.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a front view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a side view of an embodiment according tothe innovation.

FIG. 19 is a diagram depicting a use of an embodiment according to theinnovation.

FIG. 20 is a diagram depicting a use of an embodiment according to theinnovation.

FIG. 21 is a diagram depicting a use of an embodiment according to theinnovation.

FIG. 22 is a diagram depicting a use of an embodiment according to theinnovation.

FIG. 23 is an illustration depicting the interchangeable use of anembodiment according to the innovation.

FIG. 24 is an illustration depicting an adjustable attachment mechanismfor interchangeable use of an embodiment according to the innovation.

FIGS. 25A and 25 B depicts illustrations of reflectors according toembodiments of the innovation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however,that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to facilitate describing the innovation.

While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the one or moremethodologies shown herein are shown and described as a series of acts,it is to be understood and appreciated that the subject innovation isnot limited by the order of acts, as some acts may, in accordance withthe innovation, occur in a different order and/or concurrently withother acts from that shown and described herein. For example, thoseskilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a methodologycould alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, not all illustrated actsmay be required to implement a methodology in accordance with theinnovation.

According to an aspect of the innovation, a system is providedcomprising a handle, a securing means, a light source, a reflector, anda power source, wherein the system may be used to detect a leak in aduct system (e.g., in an HVAC/R system or other closed loop system).

In one embodiment, the handle may house the lighting source and thepower source.

The system may include a means for securing a lighting source to theduct system. Suitable means for securing the lighting source include,but are not limited to a magnet, a gasket, or other fitting that may beused to secure the light source to the duct system. In one embodiment,the system includes a magnet for securing the system to a metal ductsystem.

In one embodiment, the system further includes a light source that maybe configured to reflect light at a desired angle. In one embodiment,the system includes a cone-shaped reflector that may be used to reflecta beam of light. The reflector may be made from most any suitablematerial including, but not limited to glass or plastic. In oneembodiment, the reflector article may include a coating, such as a metalcoating. In one example, the cone-shaped article may be made from glass.In one example, the metal coating may be an aluminum coating.

In one embodiment, the light emitting source is a light source such asan incandescent bulb or a light emitting diode (LED) (i.e., a solidstate bulb).

In one embodiment, the reflector is secured to the securing means. In anexample, the reflector is secured to the securing means via any suitablemeans including, but not limited to, carbon fibers, glass fibers,structural supports comprising metal or plastic, or a combinationthereof.

The majority of ducts used in air duct systems are made of sheet metalprimarily made from galvanized steel. Ducts may also be fabricated fromother metals including aluminum, or from other materials such as fiberglass, flexible plastic, fabric, etc.

In one embodiment, the reflector may be mounted to rotate or orbit aboutan axis. In one embodiment, the reflector may be connected to the leakdetection system via a support that may be of variable lengths. In oneembodiment, the length of the support maybe adjustable to accommodateuse in various sizes of ductwork.

In one embodiment, the leak detection system may not include a lightemitting source. Instead, the leak detections system may be configuredto couple with a separate light emitting source (e.g., a flashlight). Inone embodiment, the leak detection system may be configured to couplewith various light emitting sources of various sizes and configurations.The ability to couple to various light emitting sources may facilitateleak detection in different configurations of ductwork. For example, ifthe base/housing or other light emitting source is narrow, it would beeasier to use the leak detection system in hard to reach places alongthe ductwork.

The system may include a power source. The power source may be most anyknown power source and may include electrical, chemical, solar powersource(s), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the power sourceis a removable battery. In one embodiment, the removable battery isrechargeable.

According to another aspect of the innovation, a method for detecting aleak in a duct system is provided. The method includes attaching a leakdetection system to a duct system suspected of having a leak. The leakdetection system may be secured to at least one duct via a securingcomponent. In one embodiment, the securing component may comprise mostany suitable material/structure for securing to the duct. In oneexample, the securing component is a magnet. In another embodiment, thesecuring component may be a gasket. The securing component may alsocomprise both a magnet and a gasket.

The leak detection system includes a light source and is secured to theduct such that the light emanating from the light source shines insidethe duct. The light is detectable outside of the duct if a leak ispresent.

It will be appreciated that the disclosed systems and methodologies arenot limited to ducts and will work with any closed loop system. The useof the word “duct” should be understood to mean any duct, pipe, tube,etc. that forms part of a closed loop system.

With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded viewof an example embodiment of the leak detection system in accordance withthe innovation. As shown, the system 100 can include a base/handle 150.A lighting source (e.g., an incandescent bulb or an LED) may be housedinside the handle to produce light 140. A securing component 130 (e.g.,a magnet or a gasket) is operatively connected to the base 150 and maybe used to secure the system to ductwork. The securing component 130 mayalso be used to connect a reflector 110 to the base/housing 150. In oneembodiment, the reflector 110 may be supported and/or connected toeither the securer or the base. The reflector 110 may be used to deflectbeams of light 120 in a desired direction. It is to be appreciated thatthe reflector may be made from any suitable material, including but notlimited to glass, plastic, or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts an example embodiment of the innovation in use. In thisexample, the system is partly inside a duct 270. According to thisexample, the duct 270 may be a metal duct. The base/housing 250 issecured to the duct 270 by a magnetic securer 230. The lighting sourcemay be housed inside the handle and may be used to shine light insidethe duct. In this example, the light 220 escapes the duct 270 via a leak225. The escaped light 220 provides confirmation of the leak andidentifies the location of the leak.

FIG. 3 depicts an example embodiment. The leak detection system 300 mayinclude a base/housing 350, a securing component (e.g., a magnet,suction cup, etc.) 330, an arm 335, a reflector 310, and a support 315that connects the reflector to the base 350. FIGS. 4-7 depict differentviews of an embodiment having the same general configuration as depictedin FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of an example embodiment of a leakdetection system 800 according to the innovation. In one embodiment, theleak detection system 800 may comprise a reflector 810, a support 815, asupport base 840, an arm 835 that may house a securer 830, a powersource (battery) 860, a light source 855, and a base/housing 850. Inthis embodiment, the support 815 may be connected to the housing 850 bythe support base 840. The connection to the base 850 may be by most anymeans. In one embodiment, the support base 840 is removably connected tothe base 850. In another embodiment, the support housing 840 isintegrally formed with the base 850.

In one embodiment, an assembly according to the innovation may include aleak detection system that attaches to a light emitting source (e.g., aflashlight). FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment according to the innovationthat includes a leak detection assembly 900 that attaches to a lightemitting source 999. The leak detection assembly 900 may be attached tothe light emitting source 999 by a clamp 910. It is to be understoodthat the leak detection assembly may be secured to the light emittingsource 999 by most any suitable coupling, including, but not limited to,an adhesive, a deformable member (e.g., a rubber or plastic wedge,gasket, etc.), a clamp, friction fit, or any reasonable mechanicalmeans. FIGS. 10 and 11 depict top and bottom views of an embodiment ofthe innovation in which the leak detection assembly includes a clamp forcoupling the leak detection assembly to a light emitting source. FIGS.12 and 13 are side views of embodiments of the innovation in which thelight detecting assembly is coupled with a light emitting source.

FIG. 14 depicts another embodiment in which the leak detection assembly1400 is coupled with a light emitting source. FIGS. 15 and 16 depict topand bottom views of an embodiment of the innovation in which the leakdetection assembly includes a clamp for coupling the leak detectionassembly to a light emitting source. FIGS. 17 and 18 are side views ofembodiments of the innovation in which the light detecting assembly iscoupled with a light emitting source.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are illustrations depicting use of a leak detectionsystem within ductwork. Light from a light emitting source (e.g., LEDbulb) from the base/housing or from another light emitting source (e.g.,a flashlight) may be reflected by the reflector 1910 or 2010. In FIG.19, light from the leak detection system may be reflected toward andshine through holes in the ductwork, thus, identifying a leak(s) in theductwork. The leak(s) may be repaired with any suitable material 2015for sealing leaks.

FIGS. 21 and 22 depict illustrations of use of embodiments of theinnovation to detect a leak in ductwork. As depicted, the leak detectionsystem may be used in multiple locations throughout differentconfigurations of ductwork to locate a leak. Alternatively, multipleleak detections systems may be used. It will be appreciated that theleak detection system according to the innovation may be used with mostany configuration of ductwork.

As depicted in FIG. 23, in some embodiments, the leak detection system2300 may be configured to couple with various light emitting sources(e.g., 2399A or 2399B). The ability to change the light emitting sourcemay facilitate use of the leak detection system in various spaces. Forexample, a longer or narrower light emitting source may make it easierto reach certain parts of the ductwork. FIG. 24 depicts coupling of theleak detection system 2400 with a light emitting source via a clamp2410.

Although, in accordance with some aspects, the subject matter has beendescribed herein in language specific to structural features ormethodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter ofthe appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described above. Rather, the specific features and actsdescribed above are disclosed as example embodiments.

Various operations of embodiments are provided herein. The order inwhich one or more or all of the operations are described should not beconstrued as to imply that these operations are necessarily orderdependent. Alternative ordering will be appreciated based on thisdescription. Further, not all operations may necessarily be present ineach embodiment provided herein.

As used in this application, “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or”rather than an exclusive “or”. Further, an inclusive “or” may includeany combination thereof (e.g., A, B, or any combination thereof). Inaddition, “a” and “an” as used in this application are generallyconstrued to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear fromcontext to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, at least one ofA and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. Further,to the extent that “includes”, “having”, “has, “with”, or variantsthereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, suchterms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term“comprising”.

Further, unless specified otherwise, “first”, “second”, or the like arenot intended to imply a temporal aspect, a spatial aspect, an ordering,etc. Rather, such terms are merely used as identifiers, names, etc. forfeatures, elements, items, etc. For example, a first channel and asecond channel generally correspond to channel A and channel B or twodifferent or two identical channels or the same channel. Additionally,“comprising”, “comprises”, “including”, “includes”, or the likegenerally means comprising or including, but not limited to.

Although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to oneor more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications willoccur based on a reading and understanding of this specification and theannexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications andalterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. Itis, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination ofcomponents or methodologies for purposes of describing the subjectinnovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that manyfurther combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible.Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system that detects a void in a ductwork, comprising: an illumination source; and a reflector that selectively redirects light from the illumination source onto a target surface of an interior of the ductwork, wherein the void is detected when a portion of the light exits the ductwork.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the reflector is a multi-faceted reflector or prism.
 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a securing component that removably attaches the illumination source to an exterior surface of the ductwork.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the securing component is configured to secure the system to the exterior surface of the ductwork, such that the reflector is located within an internal portion of the ductwork and at least a portion of the illumination source is located exterior to the ductwork
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the securing component comprises a magnet.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a base configured to accommodate the illumination source.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the reflector is connected to the base by an adjustable support that is configured to adjust a length of the adjustable support.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the base is integrally formed with the illumination source.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the reflector is connected to a base that comprises an adjustable coupler, wherein the adjustable coupler is configured to adjust to accommodate illumination sources of various sizes.
 10. A leak detection system for detecting a leak in ductwork, comprising: a base configured to accommodate a lighting source; an adjustable reflector connected to the base, wherein the adjustable reflector is configured to adjust a direction at which light from the lighting source is reflected so as to direct the light onto a target surface of an interior of the ductwork; and a securing component configured to secure the leak detection system to an exterior surface of a duct such that the reflector is located within an internal portion of the ductwork and at least a portion of the light source is located exterior to the ductwork.
 11. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the reflector is a multi-faceted reflector.
 12. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the securing component comprises a magnet.
 13. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the adjustable reflector is connected to the base by an adjustable support, wherein the adjustable support is configured to adjust a length of the adjustable support.
 14. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the base further comprises an adjustable coupler, wherein the adjustable coupler is configured to adjust to accommodate light sources of various sizes.
 15. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the base is integrally formed with the lighting source.
 16. The leak detection system of claim 10, wherein the adjustable reflector is integrally connected to the base.
 17. A method of detecting a void in duct system comprising; inserting a portion of a leak detection system through an aperture in the duct system, wherein the leak detection system comprises: an illumination portion comprising an illumination source; and a reflector portion comprising a reflector that selectively redirects light from the illumination source onto a target surface of an interior of the ductwork; positioning the leak detection system such that light from the illumination source is reflected by the reflector onto a target surface of an internal portion of the duct system, securing a portion of the leak detection system to an external portion of the duct system; and detecting the light reflected from reflector outside the duct system, wherein the detection identifies a presence of the void in the duct system.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the securing further comprises configuring the illumination source to maintain a direction of the light on the target surface.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein the leak detection system further comprises an adjustable support that connects the reflector to the illumination source, wherein the positioning further comprises adjusting a length of the adjustable support.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the inserting comprises inserting the reflector portion through the aperture in the duct system and the securing comprises securing the illumination portion to the external portion of the duct system. 